WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Billy Long is honored to announce that the Library of Congress will recognize Springfield native Tom Whitlock for his contribution to American music.  

            “Our nation has been blessed by the artistic talents of folks like Tom,” Long said. “He has a certain way with words that resonate with music listeners everywhere. I am delighted to see the Library of Congress celebrate Tom’s accomplishments to the arts. I am certain people will be singing along to his songs for a long time.”

            “I am honored to be invited to this evening at the Library celebrating songwriters and their songs,” Whitlock said.

            Whitlock will be honored during a ceremony on Tuesday, May 15th, at the Library of Congress. Whitlock is a songwriter and lyricist best known for his winning work on “Take My Breath Away” from the movie Top Gun. His work on “Take My Breath Away” earned him an Academy Award and a Golden Globe in 1986. Whitlock was also the lyricist of 4 other songs for Top Gun including the hit “Danger Zone.”

            Whitlock began his journey in music as drummer before becoming a songwriter. He and co-writer Giorgio Moroder wrote the official theme song of the 1988 Olympics “Hand In Hand” as well as the theme for the World Cup in 1990. They have written songs for the movies Beverly Hills Cop 2, American Anthem, Rambo III and many others. Whitlock has worked with many renowned artists such as Bonnie Tyler, Ray Charles, Michael McDonald and Kenny Loggins. 

            In May 2009, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Foundation presented the Library of Congress with a gift of the original manuscripts, lead sheets, lyric sheets, photos, letters and non-commercial audio and video material of some of America’s greatest creators of words and music.  Now in its fourth year, We Write the Songs, is a musical evening which helps tell the stories behind the music, while celebrating the ASCAP Collection at the Library of Congress.

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